Neighborhood news: Be alert, stay safe this school year

This is a day of new beginnings for many, as the new school year gets under way for Prince William County schools.

“Back-to-School Night” at Woodbridge Senior High School is Sept. 10 and begins at 7 p.m.

With all the school buses on the roads, and additional traffic, it is an important time for all to remember to keep alert and be safe.

Join us for a field trip

Now that September has arrived, it’s time for new outreach and activity with the Garden Club of Lake Ridge. Today is the day for the club field trip to Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna. Participants to gather at the Ridgewood parking lot (12350 Oakwood Drive) in Lake Ridge, this morning at 9:30 a.m., and then carpool to the gardens in Vienna. Contact Dawn Tilson at 703-490-8786 or Debbie Hutton at 703-490-6417 for more information.

It’s story time

Reading and the love of books can start very early in life. What are some of the first books you remember from childhood? For me, it was hearing my older sister read her school storybooks to me. Now there are opportunities at the Lake Ridge Neighborhood Library for little ones to enjoy books at the monthly storytime events. The next Storytime event will be Thursday. Bring your little ones, ages 5 or younger. There is no cost for the program, which begins at 10:30 a.m., at 12964 Harbor Drive.

Fall bazaar

The Crafters at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church are accepting applications from vendors who wish to participate in their fall bazaar. This annual bazaar will be held on Nov. 7 and 8. The cost to rent a table for the two days is $40. Please call Mary Ann Glenn, 703-491-6311 for more information or to rent a table.

Spiritual Life Event

“Daily Opportunities to Welcome the Stranger” is the theme of the District United Methodist Women Spiritual Life Event, which takes place at Old Bridge United Methodist Church on Sept. 19. The event is from noon to 4 p.m., and includes lunch. The cost is $15. Registrations can be given to Linda Stocks, and are needed by Sept. 13.

Meet the artists

Come and meet the artists of the “Summer Swan Song” exhibit this Saturday at Artist’s Undertaking Gallery in Occoquan. Work by artist Lorie Kagle of Woodbridge will be among the featured pieces.

The reception is open to the public, and there will be an open house from 1 to 6 p.m.

There will also be an artwalk going on in the town of Occoquan from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 12.

There is still time in September to enjoy some water activities at the Lake Ridge Marina, where canoes, kayaks, pedal boats and other boats are available for rent. Hours of operation from Sept. 8-27 (open weekends and holidays only) are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

I hope everyone has a great school year!